Cómo el sector hotelero estadounidense ha dado la espalda a la clase media 

Key Points

• The U.S. lodging industry has largely abandoned affordable, midscale options for middle-class travelers, leaving mostly budget or premium choices.
• Real estate pressures, brand strategies, and rising operational costs have led to the decline or transformation of traditional, locally-owned motels and mid-market chains.
• Other countries, such as France and Japan, have maintained strong networks of affordable, standardized hotels, offering a model for rebuilding the American lodging middle.

Summary

The article examines how the U.S. lodging industry has hollowed out the middle tier of affordable, characterful hotels that once supported middle-class road trips, leaving travelers with a choice between risky budget motels or expensive, boutique properties. Real estate trends, brand strategies, and operational costs have contributed to this decline, while other countries have maintained robust, value-oriented hotel networks. The piece argues that rebuilding the 'missing middle' of American lodging is vital for inclusivity, social equity, and industry resilience.